Review of The Messenger (2009) by Asif K — 04 Aug 2011

An Iraq War veteran who just narrowly escaped death in combat struggles with his new post at the Casualty Notification Office while anticipating his upcoming discharge in this military drama starring Ben Foster, Woody Harrelson, Jena Malone, and Samantha Morton. Will Montgomery (Foster) has spent his fair share of time in army hospitals, and with just three months to go before returning to civilian life, he discovers that his girlfriend back home (Malone) has decided to move on with her life. Crestfallen, Will discovers that his latest hope for a fresh start will be training to work for the Casualty Notification Office under the mentorship of senior officer Tony (Harrelson). As someone who had a close brush with death himself, Will isn't sure that he's the man to tell families that their own loved ones will never be coming home. Thankfully, in between his assignments, Tony offers a sympathetic ear and the two men form a bond that will ultimately help them to readjust to "normal" life. But once you've been in the thick of it, any true hope for a "normal" life after the military is just wishful thinking. Later, Will is drawn to the grieving widow (Morton) of a fallen soldier, a development that forces him to ponder the ethical dilemma of starting a relationship with a woman in such a vulnerable position.

Starring Ben Foster, Woody Harrelson, Samantha Morton, Jena Malone, Steve Buscemi , Eamonn Walker.

Directed by Oren Moverman, this is his directorial debut.

Nominated for 2 Oscars, including Best Actor in a Supporting Role Woody Harrelson and Original Screenplay. it also got some great Berlin Film Festival and Independent Spirit Awards recognition.

Wow what a great drama it was, I was avoiding it from many months. I saw it last night on TV and was surprised by how good and how well everything in it is being portrayed. its about these Soldiers returned from war and they have been given job of informing the families of killed soldiers in the war. while they have their own problems and griefs and things to worry about and then the war. they both kind of bond together to kind of readjust to the life and feel normal. they face some strong reactions from the families and Will starts starts involving in the life of Olivia, whose Husband dies in the war, it does become a ethical dilemma because of her current situation but it is more than that.

Ben Foster gave a good performance and quite accurate one too which will definitely remain as his best. Woody Harrelson gave a great heart breaking and emotionally heartfelt performance, two thumbs up. I was really impressed. he is a great actor and he proves it always. other supporting performances were good too. like Samantha Morton and Steve Buscemi and those actors playing the families of the died ones.

Direction was great, Oren did a fantastic job and was a achievement. Screenplay was excellent. great story and everything. it is a small off beat indie movie that will just move your heart. there are many scenes in the movie that are just pure emotional and dramatic. I loved this movie. a gem it is.